Buildings and Character
Policy Summary: To frame public spaces visually, and support substantial community benefits, buildings may be 4 to 8 storeys high in general. Taller buildings may be considered as part of a coherent plan. Building siting and massing will respect the peninsula’s breathtaking views and natural setting, while maximizing the land available for parks and public spaces and meeting economic objectives and efficiencies. View full policy.
The items below relate to the key policy themes. They show how the plans agree or differ and how they relate to the community’s feedback. For each element, rate it and provide overall comments at the bottom. To see larger versions of the two conceptual plans, click on the images at right...
Extend downtown grid or contrast with informal curves?
Extending the grid will help the Oceanfront feel a lot like downtown – a village or town feel. Gradually curving roads will feel like something completely different from downtown.
Higher along the centre and to the north or higher near activity centres throughout?
Building heights can emphasize the natural shape of the peninsula –higher in the centre, lower at the edge. They can also mark important locations in the human experience – marking key centres and destinations. Areas where buildings would be 8 storeys or more are shown in the diagram, with darkest areas highest.
Should street-ends have views or sometimes be terminated by buildings?
Squamish is defined by the natural beauty of its surroundings. But buildings also define the character of a place. Should streets occasionally end with buildings, or should they always end with views of the surroundings?
Incorporate canals?
If feasible, canals could bring water into the site, creating a unique experience on the west coast and reflecting the estuary. They are expensive to build and maintain – which may make for more expensive homes. Should they be incorporated?
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